THE sixth Hatherleigh Open Air Chess Championships are set to take place later this month.

The hardiest of chess players will battle the elements come rain or shine when they line up their pieces on Saturday June 16 in the Square at 3pm.

The annual event is the culmination of the Hatherleigh Chess League's season, which runs from September to May.

The idea for a chess challenge in the area was forged in 1992, with a match between the Red Lion in Exbourne, led by Norman Parrish, and the Devonshire Inn in Sticklepath, led by Mr Coronal Polhill. The two sides represented England and France in a play on the Napoleonic wars, and the winning team was presented with a cup to celebrate their victory.

After a resurgence in interest, the annual outdoor challenge was started in Hatherleigh in 2007, and has become a staple on the town calendar ever since. As usual, organisers are issuing the challenge to all chess fans across the county to enter and see if they can clinch the main prize.

Entry costs £2 per person. For more details phone Neil Price on 01837 810323 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]